Next Generation Honda Civic Si To Make 230 Horsepower?

With the 10th generation Honda Civic Si currently on dealer lots, it is only a matter of time before the performance oriented Si model makes its appearance. However, if a new report is to be believed, look for the next generation Si to bring more power and technology than before.

According to the report released by Civic enthusiast forumCivicX, the next generation Si will be powered by a slightly de-tuned version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder found under the hood of the current generation Type R Civic. The Si's four cylinder would make roughly 230 horsepower, 25 more than what is offered on the current Si but is 75 horsepower short of the figure boasted by the Type R. Like the current generation Si, the upcoming Si would be hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission and send its power to the front wheels. The report claims that Honda will sell the current generation Civic as a sedan, hatchback, and a coupe, though it is currently unknown if all three body styles will receive the Si treatment. The sedan and hatchback would be the ideal candidates for a conversion, especially since prior Sis made their appearances in both a hatch and sedan layout. The coupe would be an interesting addition, but with the sales of two-door coupes currently on the downswing, it would be more of a niche offering that would appeal to a small segment of the marketplace.

Honda has reportedly not yet made up its mind on the subject, and, with the Si expected to be unveiled late next year, it has plenty of time to mull the whole thing over. A hatchback, in particular, would allow the brand the chance to once again compete with the Volkswagen GTI as well as recent offerings from Ford. It would also be interesting to see whether Honda would offer an automatic transmission with the next generation Si. The Si lineup has always eschewed automatics in lieu of traditional manual transmissions, but with more younger buyers entering the market with no prior experience behind the wheel of stick-equipped vehicles, the addition of an automatic would expand the car's reach and allow it to appeal to a wider segment of budget-minded enthusiasts.

Those who want more than 230 horsepower and the suite of upgrades that come with it will have to wait until 2017 at the latest to have a chance at sampling the next generation Type R. While technical details regarding the model have not yet been released, prior rumors suggest that unlike previous generation Type Rs, this iteration was designed with the U.S. market in mind and, as such, would offer more interior room as well as better safety technology to allow it to comply with stricter federal safety standards.